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Smith rues umpiring decisions
21/10/2003 11:46 - (SA)
Lahore - South African captain Graeme Smith on Tuesday called for more television replays after two controversial umpiring decisions contributed to his side's eight-wicket defeat by Pakistan.
Speaking after the home side sealed victory on the fifth morning to take a 1-0 lead in the two Test series, Smith also admitted South Africa's batting and bowling were simply not good enough.
"I think television has got to play a role somewhere," said Smith, alluding to two poor decisions on the fourth day.
Australian umpire Darrell Hair adjudged key South African batsmen Herschelle Gibbs and Jacques Kallis caught fending off pace bowler Shoaib Akhtar's rising deliveries on Monday.
However, television replays showed the ball brushed batsmen's shoulders on both occasions. South Africa from 99-1 then succumbed to 241 all out.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) introduced a television umpire in 1992 to resolve questionable run-outs and stumpings, but there are no provisions to deal with controversial catches and LBW decisions.
South African coach Eric Simons also called for the use of television replays after Monday's decisions.
Smith however also conceded dismal batting and bowling let the side down.
"I think there were few turning points and Monday was crucial for both the teams and batting let us down," he said.
"It is very important to get a good total on this type of wicket and we had reasonably good starts both times but that was spurned," the South African captain said.
Pakistan bowled out South Africa for 320 on the first day and on the fourth day Shoaib Akhtar and leg-spinner Danish Kaneria shared nine wickets to dismiss South Africa for 241.
"We struggled to take wickets on a good batting wicket that took spin. I think we have to look at our firepower in the bowling department for the second Test," said Smith, whose side won the one-day series 3-2 after losing the first two games.
Smith said South Africa badly wanted to win the second Test and the key would be to try to put Pakistan under pressure.
"We have to occupy the crease for longer period of time. We have to produce the goods in Test cricket."
Pakistan coach Javed Miandad said it was a very good win for Pakistan.
"I think everyone has worked very hard for this win after the way we lost the one-day series. The main difference was that we got good opening stands in both innings and that our spinners bowled very well. It is a collective effort," said Miandad.
- AFP
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